If He Plays, It Might Be Only an Act

He’s the backup to the backup at offensive tackle, hasn’t played a down for the Rams this year and probably will be listed as inactive for the Super Bowl, but Matt Willig has visions of being a star.

Willig, a defensive player for USC before moving on to the NFL in 1992, wants to pursue a career in Hollywood.

He played “The Hulk” several years ago in “Full Contact,” an action movie available for rent in video stores now, and has been taking acting classes once a week.

“It wasn’t even a ‘B’ movie; it was more like a ‘C,’ or ‘D’ movie,” he said.

His speaking parts were limited to grunts and growls, “and a couple were even dubbed in,” he said.

“I’m not saying I want to be a lead actor or anything, but I think there’s a little niche for somebody like myself,” he said. “You know, big, tall and ugly.”

Willig, listed at 6 feet 8 and 317 pounds, has played 80 games in his NFL career, starting in 28 and has bounced from the New York Jets to the Atlanta Falcons to the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns before joining the Rams on Nov 29. None of it as impressive, though, as having his own trailer on a movie set.

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When the Rams played the Titans earlier this season, they lost, 24-21, and Fred Miller, starting at right tackle opposite Tennessee pass rusher Jevon Kearse, was flagged six times for false starts.

After telling reporters that his dog was happy to see him after that game, someone suggested he ought to name it “False Start.”

Miller didn’t even crack a smile. “His name is Murdoch,” he said. “He’s a bull mastiff.”

Whipped like a puppy dog after playing against Kearse, Miller has been besieged by questions concerning the rematch.

“I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes as bad as he was shaking last game,” Tennessee defensive end Kenny Holmes said. “Miller has to wake up in a cold sweat. . . . That was the damnedest thing I’ve ever seen. I’m looking forward to the rematch.”

Said Miller, who also was charged with a holding call in the first meeting and allowed Kearse to be credited with five tackles, a sack and a forced fumble: “He definitely surprised me with his speed. I would say I wasn’t focused enough the first time I played him, but I will be this time.”

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Ram kicker Jeff Wilkins said he will be kicking in pain Sunday, and it’s something to consider if the game comes down to his leg.

“The pain is always there,” said Wilkins, one for three on postseason field goals despite having a sore knee on his plant leg. “It’s just a matter of hoping it’s not that bad and being able to kick effectively. Believe me, we’ve tried everything: acupuncture, magnets, injections. But I’ve just got one more game, and then I’ll get some surgery in the off-season.”

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EARLIER MEETINGS

SERIES HISTORY

Rams lead series, 5-3

(Home Team in CAPS)

1973--Los Angeles 31, HOUSTON 26

1978--Los Angeles 10, HOUSTON 6

1981--Houston 27, LOS ANGELES 20

1984--LOS ANGELES 27, Houston 16

1987--HOUSTON 20, Los Angeles 16

1990--LOS ANGELES 17, Houston 13

1993--Los Angeles 28, HOUSTON 13

1999--TENNESSEE 24, St. Louis 21